About the CACR

Globalisation, migration and growing cultural diversity within societies have contributed to the multi-cultural nature of modern life. New Zealand's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and increasing inter-cultural contact across diverse groups have highlighted the necessity for an appreciation of cross-cultural similarities and differences, an increasing acceptance of cultural diversity, and the development of effective inter-cultural communication strategies. These needs can best be achieved through sound theory and research, translated into tangible outcomes.

The Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research (CACR) is an inter-disciplinary, applied research centre (within the School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) engaged in research, training, public education, consultancy and policy advice across four major areas of cross-cultural study:

• Cross-cultural comparison - the examination of cultural similarities and differences in values, norms, leadership structures, and other processes that may facilitate or hinder intercultural contact;
• Acculturation and adaptation - the study of the process and outcomes of cross-cultural transition, including the experiences of sojourners, immigrants, and refugees;
• Cultural diversity and intergroup relations - the study of inter-group relations between ethnic and cultural groups within and between nations;
• Ethno-psychologies (or indigenous psychologies) - culture specific ideas about human experience, with an emphasis on bicultural structures and processes.

CACR Brochure is available here

Operating Principles

Strength in diversity reflects both our mission and the organizing principle for how we work. CACR objectives will be achieved by thoroughly networking researchers, government policy makers and a variety of end-users so that each group has clearly identifiable stakes in research and training projects. CACR actively engages with an associate network of more than 50 leading national and international diversity researchers. Through this network we have the opportunity to harness a broad range of research interests that are inter-disciplinary, inter-sectoral and inter-connected. CACR has formalised relationships with the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Affairs, the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the Center for Cross-cultural Research at Western Washington University.